ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — As farmers across the county mark National Agriculture Day on Thursday, the Minnesota Agri-Growth Council is sharing new data on the importance of agriculture to Minnesota.

The industry group this week released some highlights of a study it conducted with the University of Minnesota that follows up on a similar survey in 2003.

The report puts total direct added economic value from Minnesota animal agriculture at nearly $8 billion. It says animal agriculture directly supports nearly 35,000 jobs and many thousands more in indirect employment.

It says the economic impact of pork production in Minnesota has nearly doubled since 2003, hitting $2.35 billion. It puts the economic impact of turkey production at $807 million and dairy production at $3.27 billion. And the economic impact from beef now tops $1 billion.

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